Wentzel to drive innovation

Logistics boils down to the detailed coordination of complex systems, and Field Systems Engineer Charles Wentzel has already dedicated a career to that challenge.

As a senior supply chain director for global firms, including ADP, he has more than 30 years experience enhancing efficiency and ensuring things get where they need to be by giving teammates the tools they need to succeed. While he’s never worked in the railroad industry before, Wentzel believes there are many similarities between his former roles, which were steeped in analytics, and his current mission.

“There’s more overlap than I expected,” he said.

Wentzel will be the technical and business lead for critical systems the Belt relies on to operate, including the train management and dispatch system; train yard technology; and Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI). When it comes to ensuring that the company’s technology is meeting expectations, Wentzel is excited to take on that responsibility and challenge.

“I feel like I can make a difference,” he said. “I’m here to help.”

As a people person, Wentzel enjoys collaborating to make things better. He regards front-line associates at the Belt as his customers and sees himself as a liaison between supply and demand.

“In my lengthy career, I’ve represented the voice of the customer,” he said. “The people here are great. They’re experts, and I want to take their ideas and see them come to fruition. Together, we can achieve the next level of performance.”

Wentzel noted he has an open-door policy when it comes to hearing what others have to say.

“I want the user community to help me champion their concerns,” Wentzel said. “The goal is to make their lives easier and their work more productive. I can’t fix problems I don’t know about.”

He says communication is the key to achieving those goals and intends to do whatever he can to facilitate a free exchange of ideas.